A Perfect Pairing

Let me tell you, this is one great retreat: fun stitchers against the perfect stitching backdrop…the beach! I’ve loads of pictures if you can stand it!

Last Fall, Sara (Salty Yarns) asked me (Hands On) and Rachel & Cecile (Just Another Button Co) to come teach at the Fall Jamboree (this is one hoppin’ shop – tons of retreats & events!). We decided it would be fun to “pair up” on our projects & have pears as our theme. I think it all came together very well, don’t you think so?

Here is a closer look at my project (I know we said pears…but I had to throw in an apple for the teacher!)

Here we all are! (including the newest Miss Button – Anna!) Each of us taught a class…we spent 3 hours with a group & then we all rotated between classrooms. A shout out to Sara’s son who toted the big items between classrooms!

Talk about a room with a view! We could not have asked for more perfect October weather!

I knew that Salty Yarns was right on the OC Boardwalk (it’s one thing to know this & another to actually be there!)

I learned so much of the history of not just Salty Yarns, but The Lankford Hotel – all owned by Sara’s family for generations. I literally walked a few feet from my room, down the boardwalk, to the hotel. This is a commute I could really get used to!

Our first day at retreat was spent preparing for classes & setting up Trunk Shows…but we snuck in a little boardwalk time.

I didn’t get any pictures, but it was Hot Rod weekend in OC. We were greeted each morning by a parade of loud cars rumbling down the boardwalk!

Lots of interesting “artwork” along the boardwalk – looks like a quilt of old advertisements.

Anna enjoyed the fresh sea air!

I too enjoyed the fresh sea air!

Class time! The stitchers figured out why my company is called ‘Hands On’ – my classes are very hands on!

They were ALL good students!

To a needlework designer, this is the ultimate compliment. She was practically like a one woman Trunk Show of my designs!

I love seeing the various takes on my designs as well! (Podzi personalized her bag with her name!)

This is from a year in chalk – stitched very small & all in color!

The last morning before heading home. I don’t think I need to say anything else.